On Tuesday evening, the Cleveland Cavaliers will host the Detroit Pistons in Ohio.
The Cavs are coming off a 106-102 victory over the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center in New York.
They were without All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell for the third straight game.
Cavs Make Donovan Mitchell Announcement
GettyINGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 04: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers scores against the Los Angeles Clippers in the first half at Intuit Dome on February 04, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Wally Skalij/Getty Images)
Before Tuesday’s game, the Cavs announced that they will remain without Mitchell for the fourth straight game.
Cavs reporter Danny Cunningham wrote: “#Cavs list Donovan Mitchell (groin) as out for tomorrow’s game against the Detroit Pistons. Dean Wade, who has missed the past two games with an ankle sprain, is questionable.”
Mitchell is averaging 28.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.6 steals per contest while shooting 48.3% from the field and 36.9% from three-point range in 55 games.
GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 29: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers answers questions from the media during Cleveland Cavaliers Media Day at Rocket Arena on September 29, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
Mitchell is in the middle of his fourth season playing for the franchise.
Prior to the trade that sent him to Cleveland, Mitchell spent the first five years of his pro career with the Utah Jazz.
Last season, the Cavs were the first seed in the Eastern Conference (and lost to the Indiana Pacers in the second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs).
The NBA wrote (in February): “Donovan Mitchell has averaged 26.5 PPG over his Cavaliers career so far, the 2nd highest PPG average in franchise history. LeBron James (27.2 PPG) Donovan Mitchell (26.5 PPG)”
GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO – FEBRUARY 24: (L-R) Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks talks with Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers after the game at Rocket Arena on February 24, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Knicks 109-94. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Right now, the Cavs are the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 38-24 record in 62 games.
They have won seven out of their last ten games.
Following the Pistons, the Cavs will play their next game on Sunday afternoon when they host Jaylen Brown and the Boston Celtics in Ohio.
GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO – NOVEMBER 30: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics talks to Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers after the game at Rocket Arena on November 30, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Celtics defeated the Cavaliers 117-115. Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
On the other side of the matchup, the Pistons are the first seed in the Eastern Conference with a 45-14 record in 59 games.
They are in the middle of a three-game winning streak (and have won eight out of their last ten).
GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO – JANUARY 04: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons shoots against Nae’qwan Tomlin #35 and Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Rocket Arena on January 04, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
Following the Cavs, the Pistons will play their next game on Thursday when they visit the San Antonio Spurs in Texas.
Cleveland Cavaliers Make Donovan Mitchell Announcement Before Pistons Game